CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA, (Dec. 2, 2024) — The Pioneer Calendar lists local events, performances and activities for the whole family.

We update the Pioneer Calendar page every week so check back often to find out what’s going on near you.

If you’d like to submit your event to the Pioneer Calendar page, please send email to us at Calendar@pioneerpublishers.com.

In the Community

“Concord Past and Present” Book Signings. The new book by Joel Harris features historical images and stories of important places in Concord along with current images, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 7, Berkshire Books, 3480 Clayton Road, Concord.

Concord Farmers Market. Sponsored by the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. Visit pcfma.org for more information.

In the Military

Wreaths Across America. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525 and its auxiliary will hold a short ceremony to honor veterans, followed by the laying of the wreaths, 10 a.m. Dec. 14, Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2011 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord. For more information, email vfwcapost1525@gmail.com.

Women Marines Association. The Bay Area chapter meets 11:30 a.m. every third Saturday, usually at Harry’s Hofbrau, 14900 E. 14th St, San Leandro. For more information, visit https://wmaca3.org or contact Janet Johnson at 925-890-4583.

For the Holidays

Artful Giving Collection. Hand-crafted ceramic, wood and glass pieces, original jewelry, holiday decorations, textiles and other one-of-a-kind gifts from Bay Area artists, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, through Dec. 28, Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Dr., Suite 110, Walnut Creek. Plus Holiday trunks shows with woodwork by Michael J. Rizza on Dec. 5-7 and ceramics by Gordon Ward on Dec. 12-14. For details, visit www.valleyartgallery.org or call 925-935-4311.

Rossmoor Opera Club Holiday Concert. Festival Opera stars will perform operatic classics as well as a few holiday tunes, 7-9 p.m. Dec. 4, Tahoe Room of the Event Center, 1021 Stanley Dollar Dr., Walnut Creek. RSVP by emailing into@festivalopera.org with name and number of attendees.

Candy Cane Lane Craft and Gift Fair. Shop for handcrafted items, visit with Mrs. Claus to take a holiday photo using your own phone or enjoy a hot drink before heading to Todos Santos for the tree lighting, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 6, Veterans Hall, 2290 Willow Pass Road. Concord. A fundraiser for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. For more information, email vfwcapost1525@gmail.com.

Holiday Stroll With A Little Sip. Visit downtown Concord restaurants and establishments for treats and drinks, 4-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Todos Santos Plaza. Held in conjunction with Tree Lighting and Mayor’s Sing-Along. Purchase $20 tickets at Eventbrite or at the Concord Visitor Center and Hop Grenade on the day of the event. For details, email programs@visitconcordca.com or call 925-685-1182.

Tree Lighting and Mayor’s Sing-Along. 5:30-8 p.m. Dec. 6, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. For more information, email cityinfo@cityofconcord.org or call 925-671-2489.

“Nutcracker.” From Black Diamond Ballet, Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 14-15, El Campanil Theatre, 602 E 2nd St., Antioch. Sensory-friendly performance on Dec. 7. For tickets, www.blackdiamondballet.org or call 925-757-9500.

Art & Crafts Sale. Students will present more than 1,000 original works of art and crafts, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Lifelong Education Building, 1 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill. (Follow signs to the back of the campus.) The La Guerita food truck will be available 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsored by Mt. Diablo Adult Education Lifelong Education Program. For more information, call 925-937-1530.

Super Holiday Boutiques. Gift items from more than 100 vendors plus the return of Olaf, the lovable star of “Frozen,” Dec. 7-8. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 7, Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8, Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Free admission. Donate food for the Monument Crisis Center and earn a free raffle ticket. Free children’s holiday activity presented by Renewal by Andersen. First 250 families each day will receive a free holiday gift bag. Register in advance for a free $2 Holiday Buck and free raffle ticket to be used at the boutiques. For details, visit www.superholidayboutique.com.

Holiday Gift and Craft Fair. About 70 local artists and makers, from jewelry to knitted goods to custom cups and more, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 7, Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle. Free admission. For more information, call 925-671-3017.

Merry Makers Marketplace. Seasonal experience celebrating art and culture, noon-5 p.m. Dec. 7, Todos Santos Plaza, downtown Concord. For details, email admin@thebombshellgroupinc.com or call 707-653-0265.

Holidays in The Grove. Annual tree lighting ceremony, 5 p.m. Dec. 7, The Grove park, downtown Clayton. Santa will light the Christmas tree and take photos with the kids afterward. Sponsored by the Clayton Business & Community Association.

Sensory Friendly Santa. In conjunction with Autism Speaks, 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 8, Grand Court at Sunvalley Shopping Center, 1 Sun Valley Mall, Concord. Free admission; photo packages available for purchase. For more information, call 925-825-0400.

National Cookie Day. Cookies and Cocoa with Santa and his friends, plus a meet and greet with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, storytime and crafting, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8, Fountain Pavilion Park at The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord. Free admission. For more information, call 925-265-6755.

Wreaths Across America. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525 and its auxiliary will hold a short ceremony to honor veterans, followed by the laying of the wreaths, 10 a.m. Dec. 14, Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2011 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord. For more information, email vfwcapost1525@gmail.com.

“Upon a Midnight Clear.” Sufism Reoriented presents a holiday concert filled with stories and songs to celebrate the Light, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 22, Sufism Reoriented Sanctuary, 11 White Horse Court (enter on Boulevard Way), Walnut Creek. Guests can come and go as they wish. Includes warm cider, treats and a living nativity scene. Parking available at 1295 Boulevard Way (just behind 7-11) and 1300 Boulevard Way. On-site parking available for anyone with mobility issues and families with small children.

Clayton Library

The Clayton Library is at 6125 Clayton Road. For more information on any of these events, call 925-673-0659 or visit ccclib.org/events.

Homework Help. For elementary school students, 3:45-5:45 p.m. Wednesdays. Some assistance also available for sixth and seven graders. To make an appointment, either call or stop by the library. Drop-ins welcome on a space available basis.

Lapsit Storytime. For children aged 0-3, 11-11:15 a.m. Thursdays. Children must attend with caregiver.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime. For children ages 2-5, 11:30 a.m.-noon Thursdays. Children must attend with caregiver. Stay and play toys available afterward.

Tai Chi. Gentle and energizing class for adults taught by Carolyn Lee in the style of Professor Cheng Man-Ch’ing, noon-12:45 p.m. Dec. 5. Beginners welcome.

Diamond Art Painting. Thanks to a community donation, adults and seniors can unleash their creativity with a stunning collection of winter- and holiday-themed diamond art cards, 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 7.

Insiders. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can build confidence while navigating the library and accessing library services and resources, 1-2 p.m. Dec. 10, Hoyer Hall.

Camp Clayton: Arts and Crafts. Fun seasonal children’s program, 2-3 p.m. Dec. 11. Sponsored by the Clayton Community Library Foundation.